Cornaceae

Cornus nuttallii

Pacific Dogwood

Shrub or tree, deciduous, with dark brownish black or reddish slightly hairy bark. Small branches are gray to green. Leaves opposite, deep green, 1 1/2–4 in., with curving parallel veins, oval, pointed on tip, underside slightly hairy and lighter in color. Inflorescence consists of 4–7 petal-like bracts, pointed at the tip, white or pinkish, 2–3 in. long; center of small flowers greenish to white. Fruit is a bright red, round cluster of oval fleshy berries, each with 1 smooth seed. Grows in shaded moist places in Puget Lowlands, mountains, often along streams. The opposite leaves with veins that parallel the leaf margins distinguish dogwood from cascara, Rhamnus purshiana. Often seen reblooming in early fall when leaves turn red. Provincial flower of British Columbia.

• Rarity: Common
• Flowering Time: Late Spring, Early Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 10--50 feet
• Habitat: Coastal, West-Side Forest
• Found In: Siskiyous, West Gorge, Crater Lake Np, N Cascades Np, Mt. Rainier Np, Olympic Np
• Native: Yes